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Learn yourself some code this year

Ever come up with a really cool idea for an app? It starts with a smirk, like “hey, this could BE something,” then it quickly spins into you living in that Scrooge McDuck mansion, going for a swim in a pool of gold coins. And then... wait a minute you don’t know how to build an app. That’s silly. Back to your peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Codeacademy wants to help you replace that peanut butter with caviar (mmmmm - caviar and jelly sandwich). Codeacademy has been operating an interactive website that teaches people how to write computer code... you know, to build websites and apps and maybe program your VCR. Starting Monday it’s kicking off a new program called Code Year. The idea is to learn basic computer programming in a year by getting a weekly lesson in your inbox. As Slate points out: “If you’re looking to make yourself more employable (or more immune from getting sacked), if you’d like to become more creative at work and in the rest of your life, and if you can’t resist a good intellectual challenge, there are few endeavors that will pay off as handsomely as learning to code.”

The first email goes out Monday, so if you still think you’d look good carrying a pocket watch and wearing a top hat, you still have time to sign up.

About the author

Marc Sanchez is the technical director and associate producer for Marketplace Tech Report where he is responsible for shaping the sound of the show.